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Today you will create a functional electrochemical cell, using aluminum and activated charcoal. The battery that you will create is unique because it is an aluminum-air battery; the charcoal acts as a means to absorb oxygen for the oxidation-reduction process, which generates electrical current through the flow of electrons through the cell. You will experiment with different electrolyte materials to optimize the voltage produced in order to power a variety of LED lights for your project using a series of your batteries. Finally, you will use your understanding of electrochemical cells to evaluate alternatives used in cars such as the Tesla Roadster (figure 1) or Chevy Volt.
1. Watch your instructor test the voltage from a set of alkaline batteries ranging from a tiny watch battery to a large D battery. What do you notice? What does this tell you about batteries? 2. Watch now as your instructor takes a lithium ion battery or nickel-cadmium battery and tests its voltage. What do you observe? Why do you think the results are what they are? 3. Take a careful look at the battery compartment from a toy (or in figure 6.2). What do you notice about how the metal pieces (springs, pads) are arranged? Why are the set up this way? Would this toy run on one single battery? 4. Finally, your instructor will show you voltage results for batteries in the storage component. This is called putting batteries in series. In your own words, define the term series.
Fig 6.2
As always, include an objective for this laboratory activity and share that objective with a teammate or laboratory partner.
5 . Determine the voltage from your series of two electrochemical cells and attempt to power the red LED. Call your instructor over once you have the circuit established with the red LED. 6 . Try to power each other color of LED, starting with orange and working your way along the electromagnetic spectrum to blue. Note your observations. [HINT: You may need more than two cells for this.] 7 . If you have time, try to create a series of your electrochemical cells to power the blue LED light or a small toy with another group.
5. Predict a metal half-cell that you could replace the aluminum half-cell within your battery and produce more voltage. Explain the reasoning behind your prediction. 6. Explain why, when constructing your aluminum-oxygen batteries, you should not allow the aluminum foil to directly contact the carbon rod.
CT
C R I T I C A L L Y
T H I N K I N G
How do I know? 3
Explain in words the flow of electrons with the red LED light and the two aluminum-oxygen cells in series.
Why do I believe?
Why did it take more batteries in series to light the blue LED? Connect this to what you know about light and energy from your prior studies.
Why do I care?
Research the various electrochemical cells used in current electric options, including the Volt, Tesla Roadster, Nissan Leaf and Ford Focus. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each type of electrochemical cell used? Explain what youd choose, connecting it to what weve learned about the chemistry of the cells.